Local students urged to '˜get fire safe'

UUP Assemblyman Robbie Butler was backing the call made by Group Commander Geoff Somerville of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

“Many of our students move from the comfort of their homes to houses of multiple occupancy or halls of residence,” Mr Butler said.

“Their own safety and that of the people they share accommodation with must be of paramount consideration as they embark on this important chapter in their lives.

“I urge all students, new and returning, to revisit the Home Fire Safety message from the NIFRS and to transfer it to their new abode. I also wish all our students a safe and fruitful year of studies.”

The key messages to students include: Make sure all smoke alarms are working and showing no faults; Prepare a fire escape plan; Carry out a night time check before bed; Put a guard on open fires and extinguish naked flames; Do not cook when under the influence of alcohol.

Fire safety advice is available online at ww.nifrs.org